2023-12-09 09:56:43
Check out just a sampling of Chicago’s diverse year-round happenings, from colorful cultural celebrations to lively music and food fests. Explore the complete events calendar. Events subject to change. WINTER DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY Lightscape Nov. 10, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024 Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape is set along a mile-long path where visitors can admire multisensory light installations by artists from around the world. ZooLights Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024 Lincoln Park Zoo This spectacular holiday display, made up of more than two million lights, transforms Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Zoo into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Christkindlmarket Nov. 17 – Dec. 24 Daley Plaza Feel the magic at this annual outdoor holiday market modeled after traditional German Christmas markets. Chicago Restaurant Week Jan. 18 – Feb. 4 Citywide Chicago Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus at hundreds of local restaurants and kicks off with the First Bites Bash tasting event. Chicago Auto Show Feb. 10 – 19 McCormick Place The nation’s largest and longest-running auto show features debut vehicles, concept cars, interactive exhibits, and more. Chicago Theatre Week Feb. 8 – 18 Citywide Experience the thrill of Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene with half-price tickets to the city’s hottest shows. Lunar New Year Feb. 10 – 25 Citywide This cultural showcase includes culinary events, a colorful parade that rolls through the heart of Chinatown, and performances from music and dance groups. SPRING MARCH, APRIL, MAY Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show February – May Garfield Park Conservatory This annual flower show features the first blooms of spring, housed in one of the largest greenhouses in the country. St. Patrick’s Day March 16 Chicago Riverwalk One of the world’s most famous St. Patrick’s Day traditions, Chicago’s downtown parade and green river dyeing are bucket list events. Chicago White Sox home opener March 28 Guaranteed Rate Field The Chicago White Sox open another exciting season in Bridge port — expect plenty of fireworks. Chicago Cubs home opener April 1 Wrigley Field Head to historic Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs open their season against the Colorado Rockies. EXPO CHICAGO April 11 – 14 Navy Pier This international exposition of contemporary and modern art brings galleries and artists from around the globe to Navy Pier. Mole de Mayo May 24 – 26 Pilsen Celebrate Latino culture and cuisine with this food festival and cook-off event in Pilsen. Sueños Music Festival May 25 – 26 Grant Park Chicago’s Latin music festival kicks off summer with a two-day experience in Grant Park. Chicago Gospel Music Festival June 1 Millennium Park Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free outdoor festival under the stunning Pritzker Pavilion. SUMMER JUNE, JULY, AUGUST Chicago Blues Festival June Millennium Park A genre with deep Chicago roots, blues is the star of this outdoor summer festival that attracts some of the music industry’s biggest names. James Beard Awards June 10 Lyric Opera The nation’s most prestigious culinary honors are presented at this star-studded event. Chicago Pride Fest & Parade June 22 – 23 & June 30 Northalsted This joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture takes place in the nation’s oldest official gay neighborhood. NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend July 6 – 7 Grant Park and select neighborhoods This exhilarating event brings high-speed NASCAR races to the streets of downtown Chicago, along with top musical acts. Chosen Few Picnic & Festival July Jackson Park This celebration of house music, held in scenic Jackson Park, has been drawing legendary DJs and fans for more than 30 years. Windy City Smokeout July 11 – 14 United Center It’s all about beer, barbecue, and country music at this outdoor summer festival. Fiesta Del Sol July Pilsen This family-friendly festival has been celebrating Mexican culture and music in the Pilsen neighborhood for 50 years. Lollapalooza Aug. 1 – 4 Grant Park and select neighborhoods This iconic music festival takes over lakefront Grant Park, featuring local talent and top acts from around the globe. 2024 Democratic National Convention Aug. 19 – 22 United Center Chicago proudly hosts this presidential nominating convention where delegates will select the party’s nominees for president and vice president. Bud Billiken Parade August Martin Luther King Drive The largest African American parade in the country, this exuberant procession of bands, floats, and student performers has been taking place since 1929. Black Women’s Expo August McCormick Place The nation’s largest, longest-running exposition dedicated to Black women consumers and empowering local businesses features lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and culture. FALL SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER Taste of Chicago September Grant Park and select neighborhoods One of the country’s largest free-admission food festivals offers a sumptuous taste of Chicago’s diverse culinary scene. Chicago Gourmet Sept. 26 – 29 Millennium Park This high-end food festival features elevated tastings and live cooking demos presented by some of the country’s best chefs. Hyde Park Jazz Festival September Hyde Park This free festival features a diverse lineup that celebrates the rich legacy of jazz on Chicago’s south side. Chicago Live! September Navy Pier Chicago’s vibrant cultural arts community is celebrated with a weekend full of lively performances by more than 80 local artists across three stages. Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival September – November Citywide Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theatre community during this multifaceted festival. Bank of America Chicago Marathon Oct. 13 Citywide Runners from around the world gather for this major marathon that travels through 29 unique neighborhoods. Historic Pullman House Tour October Pullman Step back in time during this long-running house tour, which gives visitors an exclusive look into the historic Pullman neighborhood. Open House Chicago October Citywide This one-of-a-kind free architecture festival offers an intimate look inside the city’s most unique buildings, skyscrapers, and landmarks. Chicago International Film Festival October Loop America’s longest-running competitive film festival celebrates 60 years, presenting more than 80 screenings across the city. Arts in the Dark October Loop This whimsical evening parade celebrates Halloween as the artist’s holiday, with creative puppets, floats, and performances. Day of the Dead Xicágo October Pilsen The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen hosts this cultural celebration, alongside an annual exhibit featuring traditional altars. The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival November The Magnificent Mile A beloved holiday tradition, this spectacular event includes a parade and the official lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue.
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